Annual bike ride of Armenian Cycling Association benefits ABMDR’s life-saving mission
Los Angeles, June 26, 2013 – On June 22, 17 cyclists took part in the sixth annual Glendale to San Diego Bicycle Ride of the Armenian Cycling Association (ACA). The highly anticipated event raised funds for the life-saving mission of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR).
The 136-mile ride, called “Cycle for Life,” started at St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale, California, and concluded in Oldtown San Diego. As the participants reached the finish line, they were warmly greeted by a group of supporters and ABMDR representatives, and honored with a champagne reception. ABMDR Board members also acknowledged the support of the ACA riders by awarding them with special medals of recognition.
Through sponsorships and donations, “Cycle for Life” raised nearly $8,000 for the ABMDR cause. The idea of partnering with ABMDR for this year’s bike ride was initiated by Andrew Nazarian, a high-school senior and the son of ACA member Rene Nazarian. Andrew was instrumental in spreading the word about “Cycle for Life” and helping raise funds for the event.
“Congratulations to all the riders for completing the ride and a big thank-you to everyone who sponsored a rider and donated to ABMDR — a great cause and organization which ACA was proud to partner with,” said ACA member Artin Shaverdian.
ACA was founded in 2007 and is led by Armen Hagobian, Jacques Merdkhanian, and Artin Shaverdian with the aim of expanding and developing the sport of cycling for Armenian and non-Armenian riders. For more information or to join ACA, please email aca@armeniancycling.org or visit the Armenian Cycling Association on Facebook.
“We are absolutely delighted that ACA partnered with our organization through ‘Cycle for Life,’” said Dr. Frieda Jordan, president of ABMDR. “We thank all of the sponsors, riders, and the ACA leadership, and commend young Andrew Nazarian for his wonderful spirit of volunteerism.”
About the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry: Established in 1999, ABMDR, a nonprofit organization, helps Armenians worldwide survive life-threatening blood-related illnesses by recruiting and matching donors to those requiring bone marrow stem cell transplants. To date, the registry has recruited over 24,000 donors in 18 countries across four continents, identified 2,135 patients, and facilitated 16 bone marrow transplants.
For more information, call (323) 663-3609 or visit abmdr.am.
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The team in front of St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale.
The bikers outside Carlsbad, 110 miles into the ride.
A scene from the ride.
Rene Nazarian and his son, Andrew, who was instrumental in raising community support for the ride.
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Photos courtesy of ABMDR.